CNC Programming Lead (Trade Shows & Events)

jackmortonworldwide; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jack Morton Worldwide is seeking a CNC Programming Lead to own and optimize CNC programming across custom exhibits and trade show environments. You will translate 2D/3D designs into CNC-ready files, select tooling, and ensure efficient production processes.

The role requires 4+ years in CNC programming within fabrication or exhibits, with strong CAD skills and a hands-on, collaborative approach to solving manufacturing challenges.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of CNC programming/manufacturing experience in custom fabrication or exhibits.
• Strong experience programming CNC equipment and working with CNC production workflows.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D/3D or similar CAD software.
• Understanding of materials, tooling, machining processes, tolerancing, and fabrication methods.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop CNC programming processes for exhibits and trade show environments.
• Translate designs into CNC-ready files and efficient programs.
• Program and optimize CNC equipment for wood, plastics, foam, and exhibit materials.

Skills

CNC Programming

AutoCAD 2D/3D

Machining processes

Materials understanding

Reading technical drawings

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Production workflows

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Experience Without Limits Come shape the future of brand experience.

At Jack Morton, we design and build head-turning, smile-inducing, impact-driving brand experiences that redefine what experiential marketing can achieve. We help our clients unlock the full value of experiences by turning bold ideas into meaningful connections.

That takes a team that's bold, curious, and acts as one. We build on each other's ideas, challenge conventions, and show up for one another every day. Here, you'll do your best work, grow quickly, and partner across clients, disciplines, and global teams to bring new ideas to life.

This is a place where curiosity drives what's next, boldness raises the bar, and every win is shared. Where ownership is expected, egos are left at the door, and the work reflects the passion and talent of the people behind it.

Experience without limits-in your work, your growth, and your impact.

• Must be able to work onsite in either Oakville, CA, Dayton, NJ, Addison, IL or Las Vegas, NV 5 days a week

Do you enjoy taking creative concepts and turning them into precise, manufacturable reality? Are you passionate about CNC programming, digital fabrication, and solving the technical challenges that bring custom environments to life?

We're looking for a CNC Programming Lead to take ownership of our CNC programming function and play a key role in transforming custom exhibit, trade show, and experiential designs into precision-built components. This is a hands-on opportunity to own, develop, and continuously improve CNC programming processes while collaborating with designers, project managers, fabricators, and production teams.

You’ll work at the intersection of design and manufacturing-translating creative intent into efficient CNC programs, optimizing material usage and machining processes, troubleshooting production challenges, and helping establish best practices as our capabilities grow.

What You'll Do

• Own and develop CNC programming processes for custom exhibits, trade show booths, experiential environments, and specialty fabrication.
• Translate 2D/3D designs and production drawings into CNC-ready files and efficient machining programs.
• Program and optimize CNC equipment for cutting wood, plastics, foam, and other exhibit materials.
• Select appropriate materials, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies for each application.
• Continuously improve CNC workflows, programming standards, tooling strategies, and production efficiency.
• Partner with Designers, Project Managers, Fabricators, and Estimators to determine the best approach for manufacturing complex components.
• Troubleshoot CNC and fabrication challenges and develop practical solutions that improve quality and manufacturability.
• Optimize material usage and machining time to support cost-effective, high-quality production.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and design intent to produce accurate components.
• Set up CNC jobs and verify programs prior to production.
• Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Maintain CNC files, libraries, tooling information, and programming documentation.
• Help establish and maintain CNC standards and best practices as the department evolves.
• Perform basic CNC equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
• Utilize precision measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and indicators.
• Assist with material handling and operate forklifts as needed.

Production & Detailing Support

• Reviewing designs for manufacturability and identifying potential issues before fabrication.
• Making minor modifications to CAD files when needed to support CNC production.
• Creating or updating select fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Applying value engineering and manufacturing best practices to improve designs.
• Supporting shop teams with technical information, dimensions, and production documentation.

What You Bring

• 4+ years of CNC programming/manufacturing experience, ideally in custom fabrication, millwork, cabinetry, exhibits, or a related environment.
• Strong experience programming CNC equipment and working with CNC production workflows.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D/3D or similar CAD software.
• Strong understanding of materials, tooling, machining processes, tolerancing, and fabrication methods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and translate design intent into manufacturable solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, production-minded approach.
• Ability to optimize programs for accuracy, efficiency, material utilization, and production speed.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience in trade shows, exhibits, experiential marketing, millwo